Justice News

Oakland Woman Sentenced To Three Years For Attempting To Smuggle Cocaine Through Airport Security

OAKLAND – Cheryl Denise Frazier was sentenced today to three years in prison for possession with intent to distribute cocaine, announced United States Attorney Melinda Haag and Drug Enforcement Administration Acting Special Agent in Charge Bruce Balzano.

Frazier, 48, of Oakland, pleaded guilty on January 23, 2015, to possessing cocaine with intent to distribute. According to her plea agreement, Frazier admitted that on August 20, 2014, she entered the Oakland International Airport in Oakland, Calif., with 600 grams of cocaine hidden inside her clothing. She further admitted that she entered the airport with the cocaine concealed on her body for the purpose of smuggling the drugs onto a commercial flight for later distribution to another person. Frazier was charged by information on January 15, 2015, for possession with intent to distribute cocaine in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1).

The sentence was handed down by the Honorable James Donato, U.S. District Judge. The defendant will begin serving the sentence immediately and has been in custody since her arrest in August 2014.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Garth Hire is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Melissa Dorton. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office.